SERAP Appeals ₦100 Million Defamation Judgment Against DSS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed an appeal against a ₦100 million defamation judgment delivered on May 5, 2026, by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judgment favored two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundel, who alleged defamation by SERAP.

The court ordered SERAP to publish a public apology and pay ₦1 million in litigation costs, along with 10 percent annual post-judgment interest until fully paid. SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organization is seeking to stay the execution of the judgment pending the appeal's determination.

The appeal, filed by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, argues that the trial court relied on defective evidence and failed to uphold SERAP's defense of qualified privilege and fair comment. SERAP contends that the DSS officials did not prove reputational injury or financial loss, and it seeks to have the entire judgment set aside and the suit dismissed for lack of merit.